Latin House Grill Celebrates Grand Opening Today in Pembroke Pines

Meat-eaters, and taco-lovers -- rejoice. Things just got a little more interesting for the foodies of Broward County. If you've heard rumors about the Latin House Grill Burger & Taco Bar's "stalker" fan club, but didn't know what to expect, now is your chance to find out what all the hype is about. The owners of Miami restaurant have brought their second location to Pembroke Pines, and will be celebrating the official grand opening today, August 15.

Latin House Grill, originally a Miami-based food truck, was founded by chef-owner Michell Sanchez in 2010. At the time, it was only the start of the food truck frenzy in South Florida, and Sanchez was just one of four such trucks hitting the pavement to peddle his fare.

Luckily, it worked out. Sanchez and his wife, Bella, garnered a huge -- and extremely devoted -- local following. So devoted, in fact, they dubbed their followers "stalkers." Turns out, they had enough of them to bring the concept to brick and mortar, and opened their first establishment in Miami in 2012.

The menu everyone is talking about -- from the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' Guy Fieri, to the Cooking Channel Eat St.'s James Cunningham -- is a mix of Cuban and Mexican cuisine, served street-food-style. Everything from the burgers and tacos, to entrees like whole Yellowtail snapper, are infused with fresh Latin flavors.

The house "Mad Love" burger is a favorite, a blend of brisket, chuck, and sirloin ground fresh every day, and served on a brioche bun that's baked in-house. The patty is topped with a blend of three cheeses, thick-cut, applewood smoked bacon, butter grilled onions and mushrooms, and finished with an avocado and lime crema. A specialty you won't find anywhere else: deep-fried lobster tail lollipops, which top the list as a "stalker" favorite dish. For dessert, try the "Balls to the Wall" deep-fried brownies smothered in condensed milk.

The Pembroke Pines restaurant will feature the same "mad love" wall as the original Miami haunt -- bright lights that offset the minimalist-industrial interior décor. It's often the backdrop for bar shots featuring any of the Grill's hand-crafted cocktails, like the Mad Love margarita that combines Milagro tequila with muddled jalapeno, agave and cucumber. Beer lovers, have no fear: there are 24 craft beers on tap, as well.